Mark Keown

It is going around, particularly in the northern hemisphere, thatthe All Blacks are chokers. It is believed that they will choke again this time. On the face of it, this appears to have some truth. We won the first world cup brilliantly and have not won since despite dominating world rugby through that period. So is it fair to call them chokers? This can only be assessed by looking at each effort. Well we can say for sure we did not choke in 1987; we won superbly without being threatened. Neither did we choke in 1991. It was clear in 1989-91 that the All Blacks were on the decline and Australia on the rise. We lost that 1991 semi because they were better; a great forward pack, sensational inside backs and the brilliant Campese; whereas the NZ team was aging and past its best. In 1995, but for food poisoning, we would have won that world cup, and won it well. The 1996 result put that into perspective, as NZ stormed through SA. It wasn't choking that lost that cup, but sickness. In 1...

So I was close. I missed Schwalger in the props. I missed Hore at hooker; I should have realised they would go for him. I got the locks. I am surprised at the loosies with Luaki missing out! I am pleased Leonard got in, but I didn't think they would pick him yet... he is a rare talent. I feel sorry for Jimmy Cowan who has been in great form. I am glad they went for Evans and not Donald; I am a great fan of Evans and believe Donald has some serious deficiencies. The second fives picked themselves; Mauger and McAlister. Great to see Toeava and Smith together; two styles at centre. I feel sorry for Nonu however; he is a game breaker. So Howlett got the nod ahead of Gear at wing. Fair enough, he has played very well. I am not sure that he is a better option. Great to see Rokocoko in; he has been poorly treated at the Blues and I am confident he will be back to being the worlds number 1 or 2 again asap. I wonder if Smith is so brilliant that we are erring in promoting him; he could be a...

In 45 minutes the AB's will be named. Here is my team: Fullbacks: MacDonald, Muliaina Wings: Sivivatu, Rokocoko, Gear Centres: Smith, Tuiava 2nd Fives: McAlistar, Mauger 1st Fives: Carter, Evans Half Backs: Weepu, Kelleher, Cowan Nos 8: So'oailo, Lauaki Flankers: McGaw, Collins, Masoe, Thorne Locks: Williams, Jack, Flavell, Robinson Props: Woodcock, Haymen, Tialata, Afoa Hookers: Mealamu, Oliver, Whitcombe We could see Muliaina at centre; but who would then be the other full back (Hamilton?; Howlett?) Howlett may make wing? I would like to see Smith in there.. Nonu could knock Smith out. Donald may be a bolter at first five Leonard could be a bolter at halfback ahead of Cowan Tuialii could be number eight with Lauaki at flanker for Thorne Rawlinson could be lock and Flavell flanker for Thorne. The fourth prop could be Demody, Schwalger, Crockett? The third hooker could be Hore or Willis We will see in 32 minutes